Artwork, photos and other memorabilia and decor will be up for auction at Testa’s restaurant. (Carla Trivino / Daily News)

Daily News Staff Writer

"It’s an opportunity to get a piece of history," said auction house owner Harry Stampler, who said he has eaten at Testa’s in the past. "There will be framed artwork, dishes, menus and other memorabilia that will be sold."

"Traditionally when we do a restaurant auction there isn’t a local, historical value to it," he said by phone today. "This has really been a staple in the community for a while and I’d imagine quite a few people would want to buy things, not to re-sell, but for the memory, to remember their times at the restaurant."

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Almodovar called the sale an "absolute auction," meaning there are no minimum prices and items will sell to the highest bidder regardless of the price. He said he expects the furniture could sell much higher than its value.

"All of the seating there may go higher than normal because there may be a few people wanting to buy a set to put on their patio to remember the place they used to go to all the time," Almodovar said.

Stampler said it’s "doubtful" the iconic neon sign on the outside of the restaurant will available for bid. He said the family likely will want to keep the sign, pieces of the wood paneling inside the restaurant and some of the historical pictures.

Many guests would enjoy lunch on the outside patio. Tables and chairs will be available for sale at the auction. (Carla Trivino / Daily News)

Daily News Staff Writer

"There are still a lot of moving parts," Stampler said. "There are things they’re still deciding."

Proceeds will to go to the family.

Tom Testa could not be reached for comment. The family has not yet announced whether they will re-open somewhere else on the island or in the area.

Stampler said he has heard that the family hopes to open again.

The Frisbie Group plans to begin demolition next month of the restaurant building, defunct service station and Via Testa buildings to make way for a new and smaller restaurant, shops and six luxury condominiums with underground parking. The project is supposed to be completed in about three years, according to an agreement between the Frisbies and the town.